Skincare regimen - needs work or is it working?

[eatingabook]

This will be sort of long, so sorry in advance. I am new here and just want to get the best out of my experience here /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> bear with me!

I've had a rough past with skin care, my history pretty much goes as follows:

- In high school and even a little after high school, I hardly ever washed my make-up off at night and probably never washed my face for no good reason (awful, I know). Many, many break-outs, and tons of make-up to cover up the fact.

- In my late teens/early 20s I started washing my face nightly, mostly basic (just enough to get make-up off; no masks or special moisturizers or night creams at all). Less break-outs, but still enough to make me very upset and self-conscious and still a lot of make-up to cover them up.

Now, I am turning 25 and I have absolutely gone crazy with moisturizers, cleansers, masks, etc to find the right combination for my skin. I currently have a pretty oily nose area and my cheeks and forehead get very dry. My skin has been better lately than it has in a LONG time, and I would say it's absolutely due to the effort I have put into finding the right products and cleaning regimen for my face. I've tried a ton of different products, and mostly my skin is clear, but I still have a few break-outs, maybe once a month or so, and I am still struggling with acne scars as well as having that "glow-y" type skin - also, still not comfortable leaving the house without foundation and concealer although I would love to be able to go bare-faced in the future without worrying about it!

Here's what I use on my skin and how often I use it: 

- CVS brand make-up removing wipes; I switch between the exfoliating kind and the age-defying kind. Exfoliating ones seem to get more make-up off and get dead skin off, but the age-defying ones make my skin softer.

- Clean & Clear Deep Action Cleanser. I use it once every night after I wash my make-up off. I truly feel like my face is clean after I use this. If I don't use this, I use the Loreal "Go 360 Clean" cleanser with the scrublet, and this also leaves my skin feeling very clean.

- After make-up is removed and face is clean, this is where I switch it up. Once a week I use a mask, I mostly like Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Masque or Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. However both make my face feel fairly dry afterwards. On the nights I don't use a mask, I use a moisturizer, but I am definitely confused as to which ones would be best for me. I've tried the CVS brand ones that are pretty basic, "acne-fighting" moisturizers, but it seems like they make me break out more. I have also tried night creams that are supposedly packed with Vitamin E and A, but those seem to clog me up and make me break out as well. 

I have recently bought a small bottle of retinol cream, although the place I bought it from online has no description on how to use it other than "twice daily" and I am not really sure what it can do for me, but I have read a lot of things that say retinol is good to rebuild skin cells and clean up complexion. I have been using this for the past week or two after I clean my face, and it makes my skin feel very soft, but I haven't seen any noticeable difference in complexion as far as the acne scars go. 

If you have read this far, thank you so much /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I guess my question is really, does this skincare regimen seem acceptable and useful? Should I be using any extra items, or subtract from the ones I am using? And also any tips or stories about retinol cream would help me understand its usage better /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I am on a budget, but not a super tight one, I can still afford to get some fairly nice products, although I can't afford things like laser surgery to remove scars etc. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> have a great weekend!

 

[katana]

I am sure that many more ladies here will have some great input....

Is the retinol A Cream for acne and break outs? If so, perhaps that is why it says to use it twice a day, if not then it seems a little excessive to me.

Cleaning off your makeup with remover or wipes each night is very important.

Following that up with the Clean & Clear cleanser is great!

I dont think that you should be or need to be using a facial mask 1 a week, especially if its drying out your skin. If anything dry skin will cause your skin to produce more oil.

try using it only once a month. It is not nessessary to use it more often.

Keep exfoliating your skin but gently, and not excessively. Once a week is sufficent enough.

Following up with a light facial moisturizer is also a good option if it doesnt cause you breakouts.

Many face lotions are too heavy for me, and cause clogged pores and breakouts.

I therefore dont use one myself.

 

[katana]

Oops, I wasnt done yet....

My skin care regime is as follows,

For most of my life I used bar soap to remove my makeup and wash my face with great success. My skin was always clear (all through highschool as well) and I dont have any wrinkles or dry skin from it.

Now I use a Neutrogena makeup remover to remove my makeup, followed by an Aveeno foaming cleanser to wash my face. This leaves my skin very clean and smooth feeling.

I then apply an astringent to any breakouts I may have.

I do not use a moisturizer 99% of the time, they tend to be too heavy for my face and cause clogged pores and breakouts.

On days when I do feel the need to apply a facial moisturizer I use a very very tiny amount of Aveeno facial moisturizer. I rub this in very well to be sure I dont have an oil slick or any residue left on my skin.

I have also used Cetaphil Moisturizer on my face with success. It is a water based lotion that is very light. My fiance also uses this on his face and likes it.

I hope this helps you out a bit!

Good luck finding the right routine for yourself, its a bit of trial and error.

 

[eatingabook]

Thanks for sharing your routine with me, it helps a lot /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I have heard that one of the best bar soaps to use for cleaning your face is Dove Beauty Bar, which I want to try. I read a quote once, I forget who it was from, some celebrity... anyway they said they had a friend whose mother used nothing but a Dove Beauty Bar on her face and she had the clearest, most glowy skin she had seen. So that intrigued me, I am considering trying it instead of the cleansing cloths. 

I have also heard very good things about Cetaphil like you mentioned, so I might try that for a moisturizer /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> so you would only suggest using a moisturizer when you feel your skin needs it, rather than every day?

 

[katana]

I love dove bar soap! I used it for years without any issues. It is moisturizing and not at all drying.

I have also used Zest when my mom would buy it. It is a tad drying though, I think that may be because of the heavy fragrence.

I do not use a moisturizer everyday, as I said I use it very rarely and only when I feel my skin needs it.

I suggest trying to use it less, especially if it is causing you to have clogged pores or breakouts. It adds oils to your skin that you may not need.

Try using it only when you feel you need too, or on places where you may need it.

You can also try looking into facial moisturizers containing Alpha Hydroxy as it helps keeps acne and breakouts at bay. At least make sure your moisturizer is water based and not oil or mineral oil based.

I am 27 and I have never really used one, I do not have wrinkles from not using one either. (I still get IDd everywhere I go and legal age here is 19.) I have great skin, and when I do use it I tend to get more oily skin and small pimples. 

 

[Firefox7275]

If you have dehydrated patches alongside oily patches, your current skincare regime is probably too harsh for your skin type. You may be stripping the skin's protective acid mantle by exfoliating too frequently, and/ or using harsh ingredients such as salacylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alcohol denat., sodium lauryl sulphate, alkaline soap bases, vitamins A and C, astringents. Damaging the acid mantle can increase acne as it allows weak opportunistic bacteria to infect your skin, and will definitely not leave you with glowing skin! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> With your cosmetics are you disinfecting your brushes, sponges and the surface of any potted product frequently? Also your pillowcases, towels, washcloth? All these can really harbour bacteria. Don't be frightened of using oils in products as the skin needs oil to be healthy, that is why it produces sebum. Just choose moisturisers containing light oils that are easily absorbed and emollient ingredients that are non-comedogenic (don't block pores). Ingredients that can replace the skin's natural moisturising factors include hyaluronate, urea, lactic acid and olive squalane. Also look for ingredients which are proven to be anti-inflammatory, healing or anti-bacterial such as aloe vera, calendula, unrefined shea butter, allantoin, castor oil, tea tree. I would recommend moisturising twice a day all over your face and neck - some girls suffer premature wrinkles from stripping their skin with harsh acne routines.

 

[eatingabook]

Whoa great info, thanks so much /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

I never use astringents anymore, I used to but they never produced any good results for me and just made me feel too dry. I don't disinfect sponges or brushes, rather I just trade them out after a month or so all together with new ones. With washcloths and towels I switch those out with clean ones every 2 weeks or sometimes every week. 

I will look into getting a lotion/moisturizer with those ingredients you mentioned, hopefully I can find something affordable that fits my needs /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> you mentioned castor oil, I had a very good experience with castor oil once. I had what I can only imagine to be a stress-related rash on my legs and I went to an herbal health shop and asked what I could do, the manager directed me to castor oil and said to sponge a small bit onto the rash 2 times a day and within a day the rash was gone! So I can imagine it has definite healing properties /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

Thanks again for all the info!

 

[Firefox7275]

Originally Posted by eatingabook /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Whoa great info, thanks so much /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

I never use astringents anymore, I used to but they never produced any good results for me and just made me feel too dry. I don't disinfect sponges or brushes, rather I just trade them out after a month or so all together with new ones. With washcloths and towels I switch those out with clean ones every 2 weeks or sometimes every week. 

I will look into getting a lotion/moisturizer with those ingredients you mentioned, hopefully I can find something affordable that fits my needs /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> you mentioned castor oil, I had a very good experience with castor oil once. I had what I can only imagine to be a stress-related rash on my legs and I went to an herbal health shop and asked what I could do, the manager directed me to castor oil and said to sponge a small bit onto the rash 2 times a day and within a day the rash was gone! So I can imagine it has definite healing properties /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

Thanks again for all the info!

You are welcome!

You might think about cleaning your sponges, face and lip brushes, pillowcases and washcloths more frequently, twice a week preferably. Bacteria can double in number every twenty minutes given perfect conditions: most like warmth (cool room to body temperature), damp, a little oxygen and some food (skin cells plus emollients from products). This could mean you could cut back on the harsh cleansers without risking breaking out, and would save money on new brushes and cleansers. You may also find it easier to get that air-brushed glowy finish if the applicator is not clogged?

 

[xtinkx]

Hello there!
Wow, you sound just like me! lol. I have been trying to find the right regimen also. =[ I have been wearing makeup since I was a young teenager and I am also to the point where I will throw it on before I walk out the door no matter what. I think it's more of a mind thing, I wish I could get past. The past few months I think I have bought every cleanser, toner, lotion the stores carry... you should see my bathroom closet right now, lol. BP does wonders for acne it seems, well it did me, but my goal right now is too find something like it, but not so harsh. I am turning 25 here in a few months and I need to start actually caring what I do to my face. The store products seem to do doing nothing or making it worse. I hate to say it, but you really have to try products for yourself. Every person is different. Some stuff I have bought that 90% here swear by broke me out like crazy.. or like you two saying bars of soap work for you, I've only heard bad things about that! I'm to the point where I'm down right fusterated and going a little more natural. I been reading here, articles, and many vists to the natural local shop. Tea tree oil seems to be what I'm trying right now, so far so good but very slow. Cetephil does seem to be a good cleanser, I'm using it, but if the Clean & Clear works for you, don't try something else, stick with what works for yourself. I'm a very oily person, so I hate using a lotion. But I have noticed not using one my tone is not soft and uneven now. Right now I'm using the Olay Sensitive Skin one with SPF. But Aveeno has some also that work well. Give them a couple days to actually see if you like though. What makeup do you use? Changing makeup brands can do wonders also..

 

[eatingabook]

Very true, everyone is different sadly so it might be hard to rely on others' advice. :/ but I'm hoping I might be able to get some tiny tidbits of wisdom that might work for me /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

I have heard about "BP" but I have no idea what it is, could you explain it and where to get it? 

Oh and my make-up brands... they vary. I was using Cover Girl "Clean" liquid foundation with E.L.F. Complexion Perfection powder over it. I kind of changed it up recently, which may be the cause of a recent breakout or two that I have had... now I am using Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse cream foundation with no powder over it. I love the way it feels and covers, but if it keeps making me break out I will switch to my old routine; it may just be too heavy for my skin to handle. (although when I wash my face at the end of the night, it seems like there is a lot less left on my skin than with my old make-up, which is confusing considering I am breaking out more) 

 

[xtinkx]

You should consider using a mineral makeup. They seem to be healthier on my skin at least. If you can't afford the brands people usually recommend here(which i cant either lol), try Physians Formula. They sell it at CVS, some Walgreens, Target, and even Walmart. It cost a few more bucks than Covergirl, but lasts a lot longer. If you go to CVS or Walgreens you can always return it if you don't like it, makes you breakout, buy the wrong color. I'm not a big fan of ELF, it seems to be so cheap that it's made cheapy. I mean it's okay for eye makeup and lip. But I wouldn't use it regularly on my face itself.

BP is benzoyl peroxide. You can buy lots of products with it in it. Proactiv, Acnefree, and most spot treatments.. Clean & Clear have some, Zapzit, Nuetrogenia(sp). Some people just need a little cream everyday to help with breakouts. Which maybe it would help with you? I used it for a few years, my face got addicted to it, therefore when you miss a few days or stop it's like breakout city, also my skintone became uneven. But everyone is different and like I said I had used it for a few years.

 

[Firefox7275]

Benzoyl peroxide is basically a bleach which kills all the bacteria it touches - the beneficial ones and the bad guys - and can lighten skin or clothing. It can also break down the skin's protective acid mantle, which can allow opportunistic bacteria to gain a foothold, causing breakouts the minute you stop using BP. Perhaps more worryingly, I have heard of girls in their early twenties experiencing premature ageing from using such drying acne ingredients.

Originally Posted by xtinkx /img/forum/go_quote.gif
BP is benzoyl peroxide. You can buy lots of products with it in it. Proactiv, Acnefree, and most spot treatments.. Clean & Clear have some, Zapzit, Nuetrogenia(sp). Some people just need a little cream everyday to help with breakouts. Which maybe it would help with you? I used it for a few years, my face got addicted to it, therefore when you miss a few days or stop it's like breakout city, also my skintone became uneven. But everyone is different and like I said I had used it for a few years.

 

[barefoothipmama]

Eek! I know this is kinda old, but I couldn't read and not say something...it would have driven me crazy thinking about it. I change my sheets every Sunday, use my towel 2-3 times max and a new washcloth each time I wash. I don't like the idea of my washcloth washing things, sitting wet to dry, then re-wetting it to use again. It's bacteria city! Terrible to wash your face with, it just is one awful cycle /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  

Originally Posted by eatingabook /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Whoa great info, thanks so much /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

I never use astringents anymore, I used to but they never produced any good results for me and just made me feel too dry. I don't disinfect sponges or brushes, rather I just trade them out after a month or so all together with new ones. With washcloths and towels I switch those out with clean ones every 2 weeks or sometimes every week. 

I will look into getting a lotion/moisturizer with those ingredients you mentioned, hopefully I can find something affordable that fits my needs /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> you mentioned castor oil, I had a very good experience with castor oil once. I had what I can only imagine to be a stress-related rash on my legs and I went to an herbal health shop and asked what I could do, the manager directed me to castor oil and said to sponge a small bit onto the rash 2 times a day and within a day the rash was gone! So I can imagine it has definite healing properties /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

Thanks again for all the info!